Firstly, let me thank USG Lacroix and the Force Commanders for their briefings today. Through you, I also want to thank UN peacekeeping personnel for their dedicated and courageous work to protect civilians and uphold stability around the world. The UK pays tribute to all peacekeepers who have given their lives in the service of the UN, including today the Peacekeeper from Ghana. I join others in sending my condolences.
Wherever there is war or armed conflict, civilians are caught in the middle. Properly trained, equipped and supported peacekeepers can play a critical role in protecting civilians. As well as providing physical protection, proactive and mobile peacekeeping forces can act to prevent threats, establish protective environments and facilitate humanitarian access.
To succeed in this, peacekeepers need and deserve the full support of the Security Council and of host states. In recent years, however, Missions have faced increasing challenges. Restrictions on free movement, SOFA [Status of Forces Agreement] violations, mis- and dis-information, and the presence of mercenaries, such as the Wagner Group, have all served to undermine the work of peacekeepers in numerous Missions.
